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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

This shows the 4 magnets I made (thank you Kimberly Kendle for the inspiration to try making my own).

This is the backside of the magnets.

These two were created with the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

These were stamped with Pretty Postage Stamp Set and punched out with a 1" circle punch.

What fun it was to make these magnets. They would make a great gift idea too for any age. Customize the design and colors for the recipient of this gift.

I will do a tutorial on these this week and post it here on my blog.

Here's some info tho in the meantime:

1. Gems: If you are looking for the "gems" I used, you will find them in most floral depts of the larger stores. These are about 1 inch to 1 1/4 inch round, have an iridescent shine/glaze to them. The front of the gem is rounded like a stone, and the back is flat. These gems are not uniform in shape/size but all are rounded. I purchased a two pound bag and it gave me over 40 gems to use. Carefully look over the gems before you purchase the bag. I believe they are a form of glass and in many of the bags, they had cracks/chips. When we got home, I ended up throwing out about 4 of the gems because they had some major imperfections in them. These gems are inexpensive ... about $3 for the bag if not on sale.

2. Magnets: I purchased a package of fifty 3/4" magnets with a strength level of 6. The retail on this was about $7 if not on sale. You want to be sure you purchase craft/ceramic magnets. I did try these with the magnet sheets we sell. The magnet with gem did hold to the refrigerator as long as it was for decoration not to actually hold something. The level 6 strength magnet is GREAT, definitely will hold items to display.

3. Glue: It is extremely important to use a clear drying glue as the punched image or stamped image is glued directly to the gem. The perfect glue type solution is sold by Stampin' Up! and is called Crystal Effects. It comes in a 2 oz bottle and is acid free. It is item #101055 and is $6.25. I put a small amount on a piece of foil then brushed with a paint brush (small flat) onto my image then put the image on the flat/backside of the gem. Then washed the paint brush with soap & water to clean. Crystal effects dries quickly.